Chapter 4

****Ivy****

I had overheard him mentioning his home address. It wasn’t intentional, or so I told myself. But now here I was, standing in front of Damien Cross’s house, nerves bubbling in my chest. I told myself it was professional, that I was just here to deliver important information. But deep down, I knew I wanted to know more about him—his life, his world, his wife.

"Welcome to my humble home," Damien said as he held the door open for me.

I stepped inside, my shoes clicking softly against the polished marble floor. The interior of his house was breathtaking—warm yet modern, with high ceilings, elegant furniture, and soft lighting that gave the space a comforting glow. I had thought the exterior was magnificent, but the inside was something else entirely.

"Your home is beautiful," I said, unable to hide my awe.

Damien gave a small, polite smile. "Thank you. My wife has an eye for decor."

"Let me introduce you to my amazing wife" he said

"Scarlett, baby, come downstairs," Damien called, his voice echoing through the grand halls.

“She’ll be out in a second,” he assured me, his tone calm.

Moments later, she appeared, descending the staircase like she owned the place. Scarlett Cross. Her gaze locked onto mine, sharp and piercing, as if trying to size me up in a single look.

“Yes?” she said, her voice cold.

I couldn’t help but stare. She was breathtakingly beautiful, the kind of woman you’d see on magazine covers. Her long brown hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her striking gray eyes now shifted to Damien. Her fair skin seemed flawless, and her lips, soft and pouty, only added to her allure. She was the embodiment of elegance and sensuality.

“I’d like to introduce you to my new assistant,” Damien said, gesturing toward me.

“Ivy Thompson,” I said, forcing a polite smile.

"Its a pleasure to meet you Mrs Cross"

"Like wise" she said.

"Mrs Thompson just started her first day at work today" Damien said.

"And just her first day she's doing a pretty amazing job" he added.

"Amazing" mrs cross said.

"Hope you enjoyed your first day at work" she added.

I couldn't deny the mesmeric chrisma that woman had gosh she is as beautiful as a blooming rose. I could tell why Damien made her his wife she is the definition of perfection. The way she held herself the way she spoke was so alluring her voice like a music in ones hears and her body language just chart perfection.

"I'm living a dream" i replied.

"Well... We are Glad to have you as a team of professionals my husband and i have worked to had to make this company possible we believe in every single employee and know that we always have our support" she said.

"Thank you so much mrs Cross" i replied.

"Ohh please call me Scarlett" she said with a little giggle.

"Would you like something to drink a glass of wine maybe" she offered.

"I'll hate to impose" i said feeling awkward as i shuffled from one foot to the other

"You don't have to be shy" Damien said with a light chuckle.

"I'm sure you guys would like sometime alone" i replied.

"Nonsense have a drink with us Mrs Thompson" Damien offered once more. I would hate to decline his kind gesture.

"Okay if you insist"

"I'll grab the wine" Scarlett said, leaving us alone.

Damien faced me with a gentle smile on his face "feel free come on" he said. I nodded as i followed.

For once i think I'm becoming to understand this complex life maybe this is what destiny have kept in store for me and all i need to do is take it.

****Ten years ago****

Here he was—Jace, my high school crush. His blonde hair fell freely over his face, framing those captivating green eyes that never left mine. We sat there smiling at each other like the world didn’t exist. He was perfect. My best friend. The only person who truly saw me in this heartless world. When no one else cared, he did.

It was late, probably around nine, the cool night air brushing against my skin. The crickets chirped in the background, their persistent song filling the quiet. We were sitting on a bench surrounded by flowers, their sweet scent mixing with the coolness of the night.

"I hope we can do this again, Ivy. Maybe hang out tomorrow?" He said, my heart racing. This was it—my chance. Could I resist? No. This was the moment I’d been waiting for, the moment I would tell him.

For six months, I’d kept this burning feeling inside me, letting it fester in silence. But not anymore.

"This is your chance, Ivy," my mind screamed.

"Umm... Jace, I have something to say," I started, my voice trembling slightly.

"Yeah? Sure," he replied, his green eyes lighting up with curiosity.

I swallowed hard, my palms clammy. "I’m in love with you, Jace," I confessed, the words tumbling out of me.

And then... silence. Deafening silence. He cleared his throat, breaking the stillness, and I braced myself for the worst.

"Ivy..." he began, his voice soft, almost hesitant. "I really don’t want to say this, but I think I have to."

Here comes the rejection, I thought bitterly. My chest tightened as the weight of anticipation pressed down on me.

"It’s fine, Jace," I interrupted, my voice shaky as I tried—and failed—to mask the hurt. "You don’t have to say it. I get it. You don’t feel the same way. It’s okay."

But it wasn’t okay. Not even close.

"That’s not it, Ivy," he said, his words cutting through my thoughts. His voice was laced with something I couldn’t quite place—regret, maybe? "I really wish I was straight. If I were, I’d be so happy to have you as my girlfriend."

For a moment, I couldn’t breathe and I felt the ground shift beneath me.

"What do you mean, Jace?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. "I didn’t want to tell you this, Ivy, but... I’m gay."

****Present****

Scarlett and I chatted for a while, her voice filled with excitement as she went on about how romantically her husband had proposed. She described it as the best day of her life, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Damien had left us alone to talk, retreating to his room, which gave Scarlett the freedom to gush about her perfect life.

"You sure have an amazing life, Scarlett," I said, my tone light, though my thoughts were far from it.

"And an amazing husband," I added, the words tasting bitter on my tongue. A husband you don’t deserve, I thought. I wasn’t naïve. Before I knocked on their door, I had heard them arguing—voices raised, tension thick. And now here she was, pretending everything was picture-perfect.

"I’m not all sunshine and roses," she said suddenly, as if she had read my mind.

"We’ve had—and continue to have—our challenges here and there," she admitted, swirling her wine.

"I’m sure it’s nothing you two can’t get through," I replied, taking a sip of my wine. "You’ve been together for twelve years. That kind of bond can overcome anything."

"Thank you, Ivy. That means a lot," she said with a soft smile.

"No need to thank me. If the love is real, it can endure anything," I replied smoothly, my fingers twitching.

"You’re so right about that. Damien and I love each other so much," she said, her voice brimming with confidence.

"He’s my everything, despite the troubles," she added, and I had to fight the urge to ball my hands that sat on my laps.

"Oh, I’m sure he is," I replied.

"You’re so kind, Ivy," she said, suddenly shifting the tone of the conversation. "I’m not going to lie, for a moment I thought you were like every assistant my husband has had—desperate, hungry, and thirsty."

"I would never disrespect a beautiful marriage like yours."

"Woman nowadays have no shame," I added.

"Tell me about it," she replied, oblivious to the fire in my chest.

"Well, I guess I should get going," I said, setting my glass down.

"Thank you for having a drink and chatting with us," she said, her voice warm.

"Oh no, thank you for inviting me in. I’m honored," I replied, laughing a little even though my chest burned.

"No problem, Ivy. It was nice having you here," she said.

I hesitated. "Huh... I hate to ask—I’ve been holding it in—can I use the restroom?"

"Of course. Right door to your left," she replied.

"Thank you," I said, standing up and walking away.

But my mind wasn’t at ease. Everything about this night had piqued my interest, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more beneath the surface. My thoughts raced as I headed to the restroom.

With everything that has captured my attention tonight, my mind cannot rest until I know what I truly want. Before I accept settling for second place, I have to make sure this battle is worth the fight.

I walked in the direction Scarlett had pointed, but my feet carried me elsewhere, drawn by a pull I couldn’t resist. There was a door ahead of me, one that seemed to call my name, daring me to open it.

My heart raced as I reached for the handle, a part of me knowing exactly whose room this was. His room. My handsome boss’s sanctuary.

I pushed the door open gently, my breath hitching as my eyes landed on him. Damien stood there, a towel tied loosely around his waist, the sharp lines of his V-line and his perfectly sculpted abs on full display. Droplets of water slid down his chest, glistening under the soft light, making it impossible to look away.

In that moment, I knew. I needed him.

It didn’t matter that this was forbidden. My soul ached with desire, and my heart cried out for his warmth, longing to bridge the distance between us.

His presence consumed me, commanding every ounce of my attention. My mind screamed at me to turn away, but my body betrayed me, rooted to the spot, helplessly drawn to him.

I swallowed hard. There was something unspoken in the air between us, something electric. His body seemed to call to me, a silent invitation, and I was ready—ready to give him all of me.